Jody Hadlock Releases The Book The Lives Of Diamond Bessie

Published: July 7, 2022, 2 p.m.

A startling and deeply researched historical fiction debut inspired by the true 19th century murder of a “fallen woman,” an Irish immigrant who became destitute upon becoming an unwed mother, a woman with no other choice available to her but to seek work at a brothel. Hoping to find redemption and a better life, Hadlock marries Abe Rothschild only to discover that he will not be the one to save her. It tackles the 19th century sex work industry amid the burgeoning women’s rights movement, with high-stakes courtroom drama and a rare post-live narrative reminiscent of The Lovely Bones.